One of my goals in life is to make a massive driftwood sculpture, inspired by the talented Heather Jansch. Her driftwood sculptures are so captivating, I can’t stop thinking about them:
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Instead of a horse though, I’d like to erect a massive Komondor sculpture in my backyard, inspired by this sculpture of a Puli in Hungary:
(As an aside, how amazing is it that there is a sculpture park in Budapest celebrating the nation’s dog breeds? I’ve never been more proud to be Hungarian!)
Instead of lumber painted black, I plan on using driftwood, which I think mimics the cords of the typical Komondor so perfectly. So my newest hobby is collecting driftwood. A LOT of it…
Earlier this year I refrained from collecting driftwood because, for awhile anyway, it was protecting our eroding shoreline, but then one day it disappeared. That’s the nature of driftwood I guess, it drifted away…right toward our neighbor, who burned it all in a massive bonfire. Dude, you had enough for two horses, where are your priorities? I started collecting it late in the season and soon the lake will freeze, so this is definitely long term project. But I have still been dipping my hands into icy water to add to my growing pile.
Meanwhile, I’ve been collecting beachy ideas for driftwood decor that don’t require quite the epic haul – plus some pretty pieces to just buy (because sometimes that’s just more fun). ALL of these ideas and DIY tutorials are much easier than my DIY idea (I honestly have no idea how the heck to make a massive Komondor sculpture, but that’s a problem for Future-Me to sort out).
Here Are My Favorite Driftwood Decor Pieces:
This dreamy driftwood and clay spoon is handmade by Fall for DIY and I’m obsessed with it’s earthy, natural look. Plus it looks so easy to make!
This Etsy shop makes the most gorgeous driftwood pieces, like this mirror and coffee table (which is seriously inspiring some ideas of my own):
I actually spotted a driftwood mirror at the IDS back in 2012, not realizing that I would ever find my dream home on Lake Superior and develop a craving for all things beachy. Tutorials abound on how to make these but I don’t think it’s too complicated (famous last words).
A little chalk paint in some watery hues really complements this easy peasy driftwood art so beautifully. I love the scale of this piece (from Sustain my Craft Habit).
This driftwood wreath is another cool take on beachy, driftwood art.
I love this driftwood table lamp because it has such graceful lines. A knock off could easily be made by hacking a really simple, inexpensive lamp by affixing some driftwood pieces…
A few years ago, Sarah M. Dorsey knocked out two AMAZING DIY driftwood tables: this Target hack and also this herringbone coffee table. It is absolutely dizzying how much work went into making these two table – you have to click over and take a peek!
If DIY isn’t your jam – or you just don’t have access to driftwood – this driftwood and brass jewelry stand (available through Etsy) is a great way to bring that beachy feel inside.
If my sculpture doesn’t pan out, maybe furniture would be fun! I am so inspired by these massive, organic hunks of driftwood turned into furniture – like this glass topped coffee table or this glass topped driftwood table:
Because I first planned a horse, I hauled out a few large, curved root pieces but with my sculpture plans changed, I love the idea of making a driftwood table with glass top with those random pieces. If I changed the top to something less breakable, it could be an outdoor table instead.
Big Fab Designs, an Etsy shop, makes such stunning wall art made from wood, including beautiful driftwood. The weathered wood with the vibrant hues is such a striking contrast!
These DIY driftwood boats from Alisa Burke are so pretty – I love the swirly blue sails and it looks like such a fun and easy craft project, I think kids would love making these.
There are so many beautiful ideas for using driftwood, but these are my favorites right now!
I’ve never really gone too “coastal” with my decor, staying away from anchors and seahorses and opting for a watery color palette, a mix of wood tones with some driftwood greys and creamy whites, and beach glass inspired finishes here and there, but I do find myself pinning more and more modern coastal spaces these days. If I have any driftwood left from my sculpture, I might just make a pretty mirror or wall hanging – it would look really perfect in the fish room.
P.S. If you’re planning on making a little driftwood craft – or tackling a massive project – check out this post on how to clean and sanitize driftwood.
oooh, I envy your easy access to driftwood. Can't wait to see your giant sculpture.
I would happily mail you some but I think the shipping would be a lot, lot. If it's any consolation, along with this driftwood came someone's piss bottle (yup: a bottle filled with urine) that someone hucked overboard and floated up to our shore. I hauled it out thinking it was an empty bottle and when I realized what it was I ran inside to wash my hands a million times.
Wow, what fabulous pieces. Thanks for sharing.
So happy you enjoyed this post!
This is a great idea. I see you using that driftwood on multiple projects, and I hope this gets your neighbors to join in with their own. It would also be neat to see something hanging on the guest shed. Or inside it. So much driftwood, so many ideas! Can't wait to see what you do.
I could have been quite prolific with the driftwood crafts but this was the first year I started collecting it. I love your idea of hanging something on the guest house outside – I like that!
I love driftwood! I actually saw a Deborah Butterfield driftwood horse exhibit about 12 years ago and just fell in love with the idea (so thank you for introducing me to Heather's work!) and can't wait to see what you can create.
I will have to Google Deborah – thanks for that info! I am so amazed at the people creative enough to come up with something like that!
I have a cardboard box labeled "driftwood" that I have moved from house to house for probably 20 years. I think it is time to do something with it. Thanks for some good ideas.
Yes – definitely! And tell me what you make, I'd love to hear/see 🙂
I love driftwood. I'm excited to see what you create. Have you seen the cute driftwood boats on Kates Creative space?http://www.katescreativespace.com/2016/08/29/diy-driftwood-boats/Not necessarily suited to your style but would be cute for a gift for a child. I loved them.
That such a great idea, congrats! I love recycling and repurposing various household items too, but I never came up with something so beautiful and original as a design. And we live near the beach, I see driftwood almost every day. The coffee table especially is adorable! I will definitely try creating something beautiful these days, thanks for the inspiration!